I'm not sure I can be.

Darkness fell over Barley, and that darkness had a name.

I went from home to home, honing my skills as I took and stole. I violated whomever I wanted, spared who I fancied, and consumed the rest. I moved from shadow to shadow, giving no warning until it was too late. With each person I consumed I grew in size and power, and I became aware of many things.

Those I seeded with my own flesh, like Vivi and Nadia, retained some semblance of self; I could call to them and command them, I could feel where they were and look through their eyes, I could block out their hunger and allow them to function. Those who I'd filled only with cum had no such reprieve, and the men I inflicted with hunger became savage.

Those I'd implanted with my flesh became like me, and could spread my influence. Their fluids became tainted like my own, and **** the afflicted to seek me out.

The only exception was Gree'ek, whom I'd taken differently and couldn't sense.

My true form had grown larger than a building, when I didn't give it shape, and my minions soon numbered in the hundreds. And yet, I still wanted more. I needed more, and there was nothing I wouldn't do to attain it.

My true form covered Barley like a shroud, or a great tree, my tendrils questing out and gifting the Hungry with my cum. My Chosen remained near my body, ready to serve my every desire. In many ways, I'd become a king or a god to these people, but it was far from enough.

Finally, I turned my mind towards the horizon.

Towards home.

• This is the end of this route, for now. It will continue at a later time, when other story branches transition to a similar scale. Think of it as the first branch to reach the end of the 'Barley Arc' or the Prologue.
• Thanks to anyone who's read this far, and I hope you've enjoyed this work of writing practice.